Spoke attachment flange for a hub for a bicycle wheel and method for mounting a spoke on the flange

ABSTRACT

A spoke attachment flange for a bicycle wheel hub and a method for mounting spokes on the flange are disclosed. The flange has an annular body with a plurality of seats for housing enlarged spoke heads. At least one seat has an access opening configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged head in the seat. An outlet opening on the annular body is configured to allow a stem of the spoke to exit from the seat. The access opening and the outlet opening are connected through a connection channel that extends from the access opening towards the outlet opening without reaching a radially outer surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No.102018000004994, filed on May 2, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spoke attachment flange for a hub fora bicycle wheel, as well as a hub for a bicycle wheel including such aflange.

BACKGROUND

The aforementioned wheel can be a front wheel or a rear wheel of thebicycle. Such a bicycle can be a mountain-bike, a leisure bicycle or aracing bicycle.

As known, a bicycle wheel comprises a plurality of spokes extendingbetween the hub, which constitutes the central element of the wheelintended to be associated with the frame of the bicycle, and the rim onwhich the tire is mounted.

The hub comprises a substantially tubular body (hereinafter indicated as“hub body”) comprising, at each of the opposite free end portionsthereof, a spoke attachment flange.

The spoke attachment flange can be made in a single piece with the hubbody or can be made as a distinct piece from the hub body to then bestably associated with the hub body.

Straight-head spokes and curved-head spokes are known. In straight-headspokes the end portion for attaching to the hub extends coaxially to thelongitudinal axis of the elongated body of the spoke (hereinafter alsoindicated as “stem”), whereas in curved-head spokes the end portion forattaching to the hub is curved, i.e. extends along a direction inclinedby a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of thestem of the spoke.

Typically, the spoke attachment flanges comprise an annular bodyextending coaxially to a rotation axis and comprising a plurality ofseats for housing enlarged heads of the spokes.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,601 describes spoke attachment flanges with seatsfor housing enlarged heads of spokes. The seats of one of these flanges(the flange indicated with 11 in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,601)comprise an access hole 112 made on a rear front face of the flange toallow the insertion of the spoke in the seat, and a slit 113 made on theanterior front face of the flange and on the radially outer surface ofthe flange to allow an end portion of the stem of the spoke to be housedand to allow the remaining stem portion to exit from the flange.

The Applicant has found that detensioning of the spokes can occur forexample due to the uneven road surface or due to the presence of stepsor sudden obstacles.

The detensioning of the spokes can result in the accidental axial exitof the spokes from the respective slits of the housing seats, with therisk of damaging the hub, other spokes or other components mounted onthe hub, like for example the brake disc (in the case of bicycles with adisc brake) or the sprockets mounted on the free wheel (in the case of ahub for a rear wheel), and consequent danger to the cyclist.

The technical problem forming the basis of the present invention is tomake a spoke attachment flange for a hub for a bicycle wheel thateliminates or drastically reduces the aforementioned risks of accidentalaxial exit of the spokes in the case of detensioning.

SUMMARY

The present invention therefore relates to a spoke attachment flange fora hub for a bicycle wheel having an annular body, extending coaxially toa rotation axis, with a plurality of seats for housing enlarged heads ofspokes. A first access opening made on a first face of the annular bodyis configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged spoke head. A firstoutlet opening made on a radially outer surface of said annular body isconfigured to allow a stem of the spoke to exit from the seat. Theoutlet opening and access opening are connected by a connection channelon the first face. Advantageously, in the flange of the invention theaccidental axial exit of the first spoke in the case of detensioningthereof is prevented by the fact that on the radially outer surface ofthe flange the spoke is arranged in a closed hole/slot, i.e. not open onthe front face of the flange, and by the fact that the slit made on saidfront face does not extend up to the radially outer surface of theflange. In fact, the flange has, between the hole/slot and the slit, abridge defined in part on the radially outer surface of the flange andin part on the front face of the flange. Such a bridge prevents theaxial exit of the stem of the spoke in the case of detensioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear fromthe below description of preferred embodiments made with reference tothe attached drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hub for abicycle wheel in accordance with the present invention, such a hubcomprising a first flange on which respective spokes have been mountedand a second flange on which respective spokes must be mounted, the hubbeing illustrated as it is seen when observing its first flange in afirst plane;

FIG. 2 is an anterior front view of the first flange of the hub of FIG.1 before the respective spokes are mounted;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged anterior front view of a detail of the firstflange of the hub of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4-6 are enlarged perspective views of a portion of the hub of FIG.1 and of a spoke in three successive steps of its mounting in the firstflange;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 1 seen from anobservation point axially opposite to that of FIG. 1, i.e. whenobserving its second flange in a first plane, and wherein respectivespokes must be mounted on the first flange and respective spokes havebeen mounted on the second flange;

FIG. 8 is an anterior front view of the second flange of the hub of FIG.7 before the respective spokes are mounted;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 1 in which respectivespokes must be mounted on the first flange and two spokes have beenmounted on the second flange;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the hub of FIG. 1 before the spokes aremounted on the first flange and on the second flange;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a hub for abicycle wheel in accordance with the present invention, such a hubcomprising a first flange on which respective spokes must be mounted anda second flange on which respective spokes have been mounted, the hubbeing illustrated as it is seen when observing the second flange thereofin a first plane;

FIG. 12 is an anterior front view of the second flange of the hub ofFIG. 11 before the respective spokes are mounted;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 11 seen from anobservation point axially opposite to that of FIG. 11, i.e. whenobserving the first flange thereof in a first plane, and wherein twospokes have been mounted on the second flange.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the present description and in the following claims, the terms“axial”, “axially” and similar terms are used to refer to a directionsubstantially coinciding with or substantially parallel to the rotationaxis of the flange or of the hub, the terms “radial”, “radially” andsimilar terms are used to refer to a direction perpendicular to therotation axis of the flange or of the hub, and the terms“circumferential”, “circumferentially” and similar terms are used torefer to a circumferential direction around the rotation axis of theflange or of the hub.

The terms “axially inner” and “axially outer” and similar terms are usedto refer to positions closer to, and farther from, a transversalmid-plane of the hub, respectively, whereas the terms “radially inner”and “radially outer” and similar terms are used to refer to positionscloser to, and farther from, the rotation axis of the flange or of thehub, respectively.

The term “rear”, “behind” and similar terms are used to refer to a sidefacing towards the transversal mid-plane of the hub, whereas the terms“anterior”, “front” and similar terms are used to refer to a side facingthe opposite way with respect to the transversal mid-plane of the hub,i.e. the side seen from an axially outer position with respect to thehub.

The term “front face” is used to refer to a face orthogonal to therotation axis of the flange or of the hub. Each flange of the hub thushas an “anterior front face” facing the opposite way with respect to thetransversal mid-plane of the hub and a “rear front face” facing towardsthe transversal mid-plane of the hub.

The present invention therefore relates, in a first aspect thereof, to aspoke attachment flange for a hub for a bicycle wheel, said flangecomprising an annular body extending coaxially to a rotation axis, saidannular body comprising a plurality of seats for housing enlarged headsof spokes, wherein at least one first seat of said plurality of seatscomprises:

a first access opening made on a first front face of said annular bodyand configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged head of a firstspoke in said first seat;

a first outlet opening made on a radially outer surface of said annularbody and configured to allow a stem of said first spoke to exit fromsaid first seat;

wherein said first outlet opening is defined by a first hole or by afirst slot and in that said first access opening and said first outletopening are connected to one another through a first connection channelthat defines on said first front face a first slit that extends fromsaid first access opening towards said first outlet opening withoutreaching said radially outer surface.

Advantageously, in the flange of the invention the accidental axial exitof the first spoke in the case of detensioning thereof is prevented bythe fact that on the radially outer surface of the flange the spoke isarranged in a closed hole/slot, i.e. not open on the front face of theflange, and by the fact that the slit made on said front face does notextend up to the radially outer surface of the flange. In fact, theflange has, between the hole/slot and the slit, a bridge defined in parton the radially outer surface of the flange and in part on the frontface of the flange. Such a bridge prevents the axial exit of the stem ofthe spoke in the case of detensioning.

Preferably, the spokes intended to be mounted in the flange of theinvention have a straight head.

The spoke attachment flange of the invention can comprise, singularly orin combination, one or more of the following preferred features.

Preferably, the first access opening comprises, at least at said firstconnection channel, an abutment surface for the enlarged head of saidfirst spoke when the first spoke is tensioned.

More preferably, the abutment surface for the enlarged head of saidfirst spoke is substantially spherical.

In this case, the enlarged head of the first spoke preferably comprisesconical or spherical surfaces matching the aforementioned abutmentsurface. Such an abutment surface can be made through a ball nosemilling cutter.

Preferably, the annular body comprises a first non-through recess madeon the first front face in a position adjacent to the first accessopening on substantially the opposite side to the first connectionchannel.

Advantageously, such a recess defines a maneuvering space suitable forallowing the first spoke to take up an inclination with respect to thefront face of the flange such that the stem of the spoke can slide inthe first outlet opening and the enlarged head of the spoke can insertin the access opening.

Preferably, said first connection channel extends from said first accessopening along a non-radial direction, so as to be able to obtain anarrangement of the spokes on the hub according to a non-radialconfiguration.

Preferably, said first access opening extends along a substantiallyaxial direction.

In a first preferred embodiment of the flange of the invention, at leastone second seat of said plurality of seats comprises:

a second access opening made on said first front face and configured toallow the insertion of the enlarged head of a second spoke in saidsecond seat;

a second outlet opening made on said radially outer surface andconfigured to allow a stem of said second spoke to exit from said secondseat;

wherein said second access opening and said second outlet opening areconnected to one another through a second connection channel thatdefines on said first front face a slit that extends from said secondaccess opening towards said second outlet opening without reaching saidradially outer surface;

wherein said second outlet opening is defined by a second slot extendingalong a substantially axial direction.

In such an embodiment the second spoke is mounted at the same front faceat which the first spoke is mounted. This is possible thanks to theprovision of a slot on the radially outer surface of the flange. Such aslot indeed makes it possible to incline the second spoke to be able toinsert the enlarged head of the second spoke in the access opening. Theaccidental axial exit of the second spoke in the case of detensioningthereof is prevented by the presence of a bridge defined in part on theradially outer surface of the flange and in part on the front face ofthe flange at the seat of the second spoke.

Preferably, said first access opening and said second access opening aredefined by a single access opening extending from said first front face.

Preferably, said second access opening comprises, at least at saidsecond connection channel, an abutment surface for the enlarged head ofsaid second spoke when the second spoke is tensioned.

More preferably, the abutment surface for the enlarged head of saidsecond spoke is substantially spherical.

In this case, the enlarged head of the second spoke preferably comprisesconical or spherical surfaces matching the aforementioned abutmentsurface. Such an abutment surface can also be made through a ball nosemilling cutter.

Preferably, said second connection channel is at least in part made insaid first recess, so as to be able to use a single access opening formounting the first spoke and the second spoke.

Preferably, said second connection channel extends from said secondaccess opening along a non-radial direction, so as to be able to obtainan arrangement of the spokes on the hub according to a non-radialconfiguration.

Preferably, said first outlet opening is defined by a first cylindricalhole arranged in a position adjacent to said first front face.

In a second preferred embodiment of the flange of the invention, atleast one second seat of said plurality of seats comprises:

a second access opening made on a second front face of said annular bodyaxially opposite to said first front face and configured to allow theinsertion of the enlarged head of a second spoke in said second seat;

a second outlet opening made on said radially outer surface andconfigured to allow a stem of said second spoke to exit from said secondseat;

wherein said second outlet opening is defined by a second hole or by asecond slot and wherein said second access opening and said secondoutlet opening are connected to one another through a second connectionchannel that defines on said second front face a slit that extends fromsaid second access opening towards said second outlet opening withoutreaching said radially outer surface.

The mounting of a second spoke on the flange therefore takes place atthe front face axially opposite the one at which the first spoke ismounted and thus without such a first spoke being able to obstruct themounting of the second spoke. Also in this embodiment the accidentalaxial exit of the second spoke in the case of the detensioning thereofis prevented thanks to the provision on the flange of a further bridgedefined in part on the radially outer surface of the flange and in parton the front face axially opposite the one in which the bridge thatprevents the axial exit of the first spoke is provided.

Also in this second embodiment, preferably, said first access openingand said second access opening are defined by a single access throughopening extending from said first front face to said second front face.

Preferably, said second access opening comprises, at least at saidsecond connection channel, an abutment surface for the enlarged head ofsaid second spoke when the second spoke is tensioned.

More preferably, the abutment surface for the enlarged head of saidsecond spoke is substantially spherical.

In this case, the enlarged head of the second spoke also preferablycomprises conical or spherical surfaces matching the aforementionedabutment surface. Such an abutment surface can also be made through aball nose milling cutter.

Preferably, said annular body comprises a second non-through recess madeon said second front face in a position adjacent to the second accessopening on substantially the opposite side to the second connectionchannel.

Such a second recess allows the mounting of the second spoke in atotally analogous manner to what is discussed above with reference tothe mounting of the first spoke.

Preferably, said second connection channel extends from said secondaccess opening along a non-radial direction, so as to be able to obtainan arrangement of the spokes on the hub according to a non-radialconfiguration.

Preferably, said first outlet opening is defined by a first cylindricalhole arranged in a position adjacent to said first front face and saidsecond outlet opening is defined by a second cylindrical hole arrangedin a position adjacent to said second front face.

In a second aspect thereof, the invention relates to a hub for a bicyclewheel comprising a flange in accordance with the first aspect of theinvention described above.

Such a hub can comprise, singularly or in combination, one or more ofthe preferred features discussed above with reference to the flange ofthe invention.

In a further aspect thereof the invention relates to a method formounting a spoke on a flange of a hub for a bicycle wheel, said spokecomprising an enlarged head and a stem, the method comprising the stepsof:

inserting an end portion of said stem in a first access opening made ona first front face of the flange;

making said stem slide along a first connection channel that connectssaid access opening to an outlet opening made on a radially outersurface of the flange and defined by a hole or a slot, said firstconnection channel defining on said first front face a first slit thatextends from said first access opening towards said first outlet openingwithout reaching said radially outer surface;

making said stem exit from said first outlet opening;

tensioning the spoke.

In all of the figures, a hub for a bicycle wheel, illustrated as a hubfor a bicycle rear wheel, in the different embodiments is whollyindicated with the reference numerals 100, 100′.

The hub 100, 100′ comprises a substantially tubular body, or hub body,102 inside which a shaft (not illustrated) is provided. Such a shaft isrotatably associated with the hub body 102 through suitable bearings(not illustrated) fitted onto the opposite free end portions of theshaft and it is intended to be connected, at such opposite free endportions, to the frame of the bicycle.

The hub 100, 100′ has rotation axis X.

The hub body 102 can be made of a metallic material, for examplealuminum or alloys thereof, or of a composite material. The term“composite material” is used to indicate a material comprisingstructural fibers incorporated in a polymeric material. The structuralfibers are preferably selected from the group comprising carbon fibers,glass fibers, boron fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers andcombinations thereof. The polymeric material can be thermoplastic orthermosetting.

Spoke attachment flanges 120, 220, 220′ are provided at each of theopposite free end portions of the hub body 102. The flanges 120, 220,220′ can be made in a single piece with the hub body 102 or can be made(one or both) as distinct pieces from the hub body 102 to then be stablyassociated with the hub body 102. In the example illustrated herein, theflanges 120, 220, 220′ are different from each other and the flange 220,220′ is the one in accordance with the present invention.

A plurality of respective spokes 12, described below, are mounted on theflanges 120, 220, 220′.

The hub 100, 100′ can also comprise a brake disc (not illustrated). Inthis case, the brake disc is mounted on the hub 100, 100′ in an axiallyouter position with respect to the flange 120, on a suitable axialmounting portion 150.

A freewheel (not illustrated) for supporting a sprocket assembly of therear gearshift of the bicycle is associated with the hub 100, 100′, inan axially outer position with respect to the flange 220, 220′. Thefreewheel is thus mounted on the hub 100, 100′ on the axially oppositeside with respect to the axial mounting portion 150 of the brake disc.

Each flange 120, 220, 220′ can be made of a metallic material, forexample aluminum or alloys thereof, or of a composite material.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-6, the flange 120 is described indetail.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 1, the spokes 12 mountedon the flange 120 are straight-head spokes and, when they are mounted onthe wheel, extend entirely in substantially radial planes, with more orless large camber angles. For example, the camber angle can be comprisedbetween about 1° and about 15°, with reference to a plane orthogonal tothe rotation axis X of the hub 100, which also corresponds to therotation axis of the flange 120.

Each spoke 12 comprises an enlarged head 12 a and an elongated body orstem 12 b (FIGS. 1, 4-6).

The enlarged head 12 a has a substantially circular cross section andpreferably comprises conical or spherical surfaces.

The flange 120 comprises an annular body 121 that extends coaxially tothe rotation axis X of the hub 100.

The annular body 121 comprises a radially outer surface 121 a that, inthe specific example illustrated herein, has a substantially cylindricalshape.

The annular body 121 further comprises a radially inner portion 121 b,also having a substantially cylindrical shape, which is associated withthe respective free end portion of the hub body 102.

The annular body 121 comprises a plurality of seats 122 for housing theenlarged heads 12 a of the spokes 12.

The seats 122 are circumferentially equally spaced apart from eachother.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, seven seats 122are provided circumferentially spaced apart from each other by about51°. In order not to complicate the reading of FIGS. 1-6, the referencenumerals relative to the seats 122 and to the various portions of theseats 122 have been indicated only for some of the seven seats which areillustrated.

Each seat 122 comprises an access hole 124 configured to allow a firstspoke 12 to be mounted in the seat 122.

The access hole 124 is made on an anterior front face 121 c of theannular body 121. Preferably, such a front face 121 c is substantiallyflat and substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis X.

In the case in which the hub 100 is intended to support a brake disc,the latter is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis X in a positionaxially adjacent to the aforementioned anterior front face 121 c.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the access hole124 extends along a substantially axial direction and has asubstantially cylindrical shape.

The access hole 124 can be a through hole (like in the non-limitingexample illustrated in FIGS. 1-6) or a blind hole.

As explained below, the access hole 124 can be made through a ball nosemilling cutter or through a front cylindrical cutter or a drill bit.

The access hole 124 has dimensions such as to allow the insertion of theenlarged head 12 a of a first spoke 12.

Each seat 122 further comprises an outlet opening, which in the specificexample illustrated herein is defined by a slit 126, configured to holdthe enlarged head 12 a in the seat 122 when the spoke 12 is tensioned.

The slit 126 is made so as to open onto the radially outer surface 121 aof the annular body 121 and onto the anterior front face 121 c.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the slit 126extends along a substantially radial direction.

The slit 126 has a substantially constant circumferential width in theradial direction and such as to allow the stem 12 b of the spoke 12 tobe housed.

As explained below, such a slit 126 can be made through a cylindricalcutter.

As more clearly illustrated in the enlargement of FIG. 3, the accesshole 124 and the slit 126 are circumferentially spaced apart from eachother and are connected to one another through a connection channel 128.

In particular, the center of the access hole 124 and the central axis ofthe slit 126 are angularly spaced apart from each other, preferably byan angle comprised between 5° and 60°, the extreme values beingincluded. For example, in the case in which the flange 120 is configuredfor the attachment of seven spokes extending along respective radialdirections, the aforementioned angle is equal to 11°.

The connection channel 128 is made on the anterior front face 121 c and,in the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, extends along asubstantially circumferential direction between the access hole 124 anda radially inner end portion 126 a of the slit 126.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection channel 128 comprises a firstfront abutment surface 130 a and a second front abutment surface 130 b,arranged on radially opposite sides of the connection channel 128. Inparticular, the first front abutment surface 130 a is arranged in aradially inner position with respect to the second front abutmentsurface 130 b.

The first front abutment surface 130 a extends up to the slit 126,starting from the access hole 124. The second front abutment surface 130b extends up to close to the slit 126, again starting from the accesshole 124.

Each front abutment surface 130 a, 130 b is configured to go intoabutment against the enlarged head 12 a in the case of detensioning ofthe spoke 12, thus preventing the axial exit of the enlarged head 12 afrom the slit 126.

Again with reference to FIG. 3, each seat 122 comprises, in a radiallyinner position with respect to the slit 126, a substantially sphericalfirst seat portion 122 a having a surface that, preferably, matches theconical or spherical surfaces of the enlarged head 12 a of the spoke 12.As explained below, such a first seat portion 122 a can be made througha ball nose milling cutter.

Each seat portion 122 a has a radially inner first surface part 122 a′that is substantially spherical and a radially outer second sphericalsurface part 122 a″.

The first front abutment surface 130 a extends up to the first seatportion 122 a. In particular, the first front abutment surface 130 ajoins to the first surface part 122 a′ of the first seat portion 122 a,whereas the slit 126 separates the second front abutment surface 130 bfrom the second spherical surface part 122 a″.

Again with reference to FIG. 3, the connection channel 128 comprises afirst channel portion 128 a having a first radial width lower than orequal to that of the access hole 124 and, in a position axially adjacentto the first channel portion 128 a, on the side facing towards the frontface 121 c of the annular body 121, a second channel portion 128 bhaving a radial width smaller than the first radial width and such as toallow the passage of the stem 12 b of the spoke.

The first channel portion 128 a is substantially spherical.

The first abutment surface 130 a and the second abutment surface 130 bjoin the first channel portion 128 a to the second channel portion 128b.

As explained below, the first channel portion 128 a, 128 b can be madethrough a ball nose milling cutter, whereas the second channel portion128 b can be made through a cylindrical cutter.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the annular body 121 further comprises aplurality of weight-reduction through openings 140, each of which isarranged between two circumferentially consecutive seats 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of weight-reducing non-throughrecesses 142 is provided on the radially outer surface 121 a of theannular body 121, each of which is arranged between twocircumferentially consecutive seats 122, preferably at a respectiveweight-reducing through opening 140.

A hub 100 of the type discussed above can be manufactured with themanufacturing method described below. Reference is made in particular tothe case in which the hub 100 or at least the flange 120 are made of ametallic material, such as aluminum or alloys thereof.

Once the flange 120 has been made, a plurality of seats 122 for housingthe enlarged heads 12 a of the spokes 12 are formed on the annular body121 thereof.

Each of the seats 122 is formed by making the access hole 124, theconnection channel 128 and the slit 126 as described below.

The access hole 124 is made on the front face 121 c of the annular body121 using a first tool (not illustrated). Such a first tool can be aball nose milling cutter, a front cylindrical cutter or a drill bit.

Through a cylindrical cutter the slit 126 is made on the radially outersurface 121 a and on the front face 121 c of the annular body 121 andthe second channel portion 128 b is made on the front face 121 c.

Thereafter, through a ball nose milling cutter the first seat portion122 a and the first channel portion 128 a are made. The connectionchannel 128 is thus obtained.

Such a connection channel 128 extends from the access hole 124 along adirection which is different from the radial direction and from theaxial direction. In the non-limiting example of the hub 100 illustratedin FIGS. 1-6, the connection channel 128 extends along a circumferentialdirection.

The ball nose milling cutter defines the two front abutment surfaces 130a, 130 b in the connection channel 128.

The mounting of the spokes 12 on the flange 120 takes place as describedbelow. Reference is made to FIGS. 4-6.

Initially, the enlarged head 12 a of a spoke 12 is inserted in theaccess hole 124, keeping the spoke 12 substantially parallel to therotation axis X of the hub 100 (FIG. 4).

The spoke 12 is subsequently made to slide inside the connection channel128 until the slit 126 is reached, in particular the first seat portion122 a, corresponding to the radially inner end portion 126 a of the slit126 (FIG. 5). During the sliding of the spoke 12 in the connectionchannel 128, the enlarged head 12 a of the spoke 12 slides in the firstchannel portion 128 a whereas the stem 12 b of the spoke 12 slides inthe second channel portion 128 b and exits from the front face 121 c ofthe annular body 121 according to a direction substantially parallel tothe rotation axis X of the hub 100.

Once the seat portion 122 a has been reached, the stem 12 b of the spoke12 is rotated by about 90° so as to be positioned in the slit 126 andthen be able to proceed with the tensioning of the spoke 12 (FIG. 6).

Following the tensioning of the spoke 12, the enlarged head 12 a thereofgoes into abutment against the radially outer portion of the first seatportion 122 a.

The hub of the invention can also be used in a front wheel of thebicycle, possibly also provided with a brake disc.

In the non-limiting example described herein and illustrated in FIG. 1,the flange 220 is different from the flange 120 and has the featuresdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 7-10.

Alternatively, the flange 220′ can have the features described belowwith reference to FIGS. 11-13.

The spokes 12 mounted on the flange 220 of FIGS. 7-10 and on the flange220′ of FIGS. 11-13 are also straight-head spokes. In this case,however, when the spokes 12 are mounted on the wheel, they extendentirely along non-radial directions, substantially orthogonal to therotation axis X of the hub 100, 100′, with more or less large camberangles. For example, the camber angle can be comprised between about 1°and about 15°, with reference to a plane orthogonal to the rotation axisX of the hub 100, 100′, which also corresponds to the rotation axis ofthe flange 220, 220′.

The aforementioned spokes 12 have a shape identical to that of thespokes 12 mounted in the flange 120 and therefore they will not bedescribed again. However, in the non-limiting examples shown in theFigures, the spokes 12 mounted in the flange 220, 220′ have alongitudinal extension greater than that of the spokes 12 mounted in theflange 120.

The flange 220 of FIGS. 7-10, like that of FIGS. 11-13, comprises anannular body 221 that extends coaxially to the rotation axis X of thehub 100. In the non-limiting examples shown in the figures, the radialextension of the annular body 221 of the flange 220 is greater than thatof the annular body 121 of the flange 120.

The annular body 221 comprises a radially outer surface 221 a that, inthe specific example illustrated herein, has a substantially cylindricalshape.

The annular body 221 further comprises a radially inner portion 221 b,also having a substantially cylindrical shape, which is associated withthe respective free end portion of the hub body 102.

The annular body 221 of the flange 220 of FIGS. 7-10 comprises aplurality of first seats 222 a for housing the enlarged heads 12 a of afirst plurality of spokes 12.

The annular body 221 of the flange 220 of FIGS. 7-10 further comprises aplurality of second seats 222 b for housing the enlarged heads 12 a of asecond plurality of spokes 12.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 7-10, each of the seats 222a, 222 b is in part arranged in a radially outer position with respectto the seats 122 of the annular body 121 of the flange 120.

In the illustrated example fourteen seats 222 a, 222 b (in particular,seven seats 222 a and seven seats 222 b) are provided in total. They arecircumferentially equally spaced apart from each other along the annularbody 221. In order not to complicate the reading of FIGS. 7-10, thereference numerals relative to the aforementioned seats 222 a, 222 b andto the various portions of such seats 222 a, 222 b have been indicatedonly for some of the seven seats which are illustrated.

Each first seat 222 a comprises a first access opening 224 a configuredto allow the insertion of the enlarged head 12 a of a first spoke 12 inthe seat 222 a.

The access opening 224 a is made on an anterior front face 221 c of theannular body 221. Preferably, such an anterior front face 221 c issubstantially flat and substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis X.

In the case in which a freewheel (not illustrated) is associated withthe hub 100, 100′ of FIGS. 7-13 or of FIGS. 1-6, it is arrangedcoaxially to the rotation axis X in a position axially adjacent to theaforementioned anterior front face 221 c.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the accessopening 224 a extends along a substantially axial direction and has asubstantially cylindrical shape.

The access opening 224 a can be a through opening (like in the preferredand non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7-10) or a blind opening.The access opening 224 a can be made through a drill bit, a frontcylindrical cutter or a ball nose milling cutter.

The access opening 224 a has dimensions such as to allow the insertionof the enlarged head 12 a of a spoke 12.

Each seat 222 a further comprises an outlet opening 226 a configured toallow a stem 12 b of the first spoke 12 to exit from the seat 222 a.

The outlet opening 226 a is made on the radially outer surface 221 a ofthe annular body 221.

The outlet opening 226 a is preferably defined by a hole of dimensionssuch as to allow the passage of the stem 12 b of the spoke 12. Inparticular, such a hole is cylindrical and is arranged in a positionadjacent to the anterior front face 221 c.

The aforementioned hole can be made through a drill bit or a frontcylindrical cutter.

Alternatively, the outlet opening 226 a can be defined by a slot, so asto facilitate the passage of the stem 12 b.

As clearly illustrated in FIG. 8, the access opening 224 a and theoutlet opening 226 a are connected to one another through a connectionchannel 228 a.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the connectionchannel 228 a extends from the access opening 224 a along a non-radialrectilinear direction.

The connection channel 228 a defines on the anterior front face 221 c aslit 229 a that extends from the access opening 224 a towards the outletopening 226 a without reaching the radially outer surface 221 a. In thisway, the flange 220 has, between the access opening 224 a and the outletopening 226 a, a first bridge 230 a defined in part on the radiallyouter surface 221 a and in part on the anterior front face 221 c. Thefirst bridge 230 a has a substantially circumferential extension andprevents the axial exit of the first spoke 12 from the connectionchannel 228 a, in the case of detensioning thereof.

The slit 229 a can be made through a cylindrical cutter.

Each access opening 224 a comprises, at the connection channel 228 a, anabutment surface 231 a for the enlarged head 12 a of the first spoke 12when the first spoke 12 is tensioned.

The abutment surface 231 a is substantially spherical.

The enlarged head 12 a of the first spoke 12 preferably comprisesconical or spherical surfaces which match the abutment surface 231 a.Such an abutment surface 231 a can be made through a ball nose millingcutter.

The annular body 221 further comprises a non-through recess 232 a madeon the anterior front face 221 c in a position adjacent to the firstaccess opening 224 a. The non-through recess 232 a is made on thesubstantially opposite side to the connection channel 228 a, so as tohave a sufficient maneuvering space on the anterior front face 221 c ofthe flange 220 to allow the insertion of the first spoke 12 in the seat222 a.

Each second seat 222 b comprises a second access opening configured toallow the insertion of the enlarged head 12 a of a second spoke 12 inthe seat 222 b. Such an access opening is also made on the anteriorfront face 221 c of the annular body 221.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the second accessopening coincides with the first access opening 224 a, i.e. the firstand the second access openings are defined by a single access openingextending from the first anterior front face 221 c. Hereinafter,therefore, when reference will be made to the second access opening thesame reference numeral 224 a used for the first access opening will beused.

In an alternative embodiment that is not illustrated, the second accessopening is distinct from the first access opening 224 a, whilst stillhaving the same features described above with respect to the firstaccess opening 224 a.

Each seat 222 b further comprises an outlet opening 226 b configured toallow the stem 12 b of the second spoke 12 to exit from the seat 222 b.

The outlet opening 226 b is made on the radially outer surface 221 a ofthe annular body 221.

As clearly illustrated in FIG. 10, the outlet opening 226 b is definedby a slot extending along a substantially axial direction and having acircumferential dimension such as to allow the passage of the stem 12 bof the second spoke 12.

Such a slot can be made through a front cylindrical cutter.

In the case in which the outlet opening 226 a is defined by a slot, itpreferably has dimensions smaller than those of the slot that definesthe outlet opening 226 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the access opening 224 a and the outletopening 226 a are connected to one another through a connection channel228 b.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the connectionchannel 228 b extends from the access opening 224 a along a non-radialrectilinear direction, on a side substantially opposite with respect tothat where the connection channel 228 a extends. The directions ofextension of the connection channel 228 a and of the connection channel228 b are angularly offset by an angle comprised in the range between100° and 180°, the extreme values being included. For example, theaforementioned angle can be equal to about 140°.

The connection channel 228 b defines on the anterior front face 221 c aslit 229 b that extends from the access opening 224 a towards the outletopening 226 b without reaching the radially outer surface 221 a. In thisway, between the access opening 224 a and the outlet opening 226 b theflange 220 has a second bridge 230 b also defined in part on theradially outer surface 221 a and in part on the anterior front face 221c. The second bridge 230 b has a substantially circumferential extensionand prevents the axial exit of the second spoke 12 from the connectionchannel 228 b, in the case of detensioning thereof.

The slit 229 b can be made through a cylindrical cutter.

In the example of FIGS. 7-10, the bridges 230 a and 230 b are connectedto one another to define a single annular bridge arranged on the flange220 at the connection edge between the anterior front face 221 c and theradially outer surface 221 a of the flange 220.

Each access opening 224 a further comprises, at the connection channel228 b, an abutment surface 231 b for the enlarged head 12 a of thesecond spoke 12 when the second spoke 12 is tensioned.

The abutment surface 231 b for the enlarged head 12 a of the secondspoke 12 is substantially spherical.

The enlarged head 12 a of the second spoke 12 preferably comprisesconical or spherical surfaces matching the abutment surface 231 b. Suchan abutment surface 231 b can be made through a ball nose millingcutter.

As is clearly illustrated in FIG. 8, the connection channel 228 b is atleast in part made in the recess 232 a.

The first spokes 12 mounted in the first seats 222 a are substantiallyidentical to the second spokes 12 mounted in the second seats 222 b.

The annular body 221 further comprises a plurality of weight-reducingthrough openings 240, each of which is arranged between twocircumferentially consecutive access openings 224 a.

On the radially outer surface 221 a of the annular body 221 a pluralityof weight-reducing non-through recesses 242 are provided, each of whichis arranged between an outlet opening 226 a and an outlet opening 226 band is arranged at a respective access opening 224 a.

The mounting of the spokes 12 on the flange 220 of the hub 100 discussedabove takes place as described below.

The spokes 12 are inserted in the seats 222 a, 222 b accessing from theanterior front face 221 c.

In particular, thanks to the provision of the non-through recess 232 a,the first spokes 12 are inserted in the seats 222 a making an endportion of the stem 12 b of the spoke 12, opposite to the end portionwhere the enlarged head 12 a is provided, enter into the access opening224 a and making it exit from the outlet opening 226 a, until theenlarged head 12 a goes into abutment against the abutment surface 231a.

Thanks to the provision of the outlet opening 226 b in the form of aslot, the second spokes 12 are inserted in the seats 222 b making an endportion of the stem 12 b of the spoke 12, opposite to the end portionwhere the enlarged head 12 a is provided, enter into the access opening224 a and making it exit from the outlet opening 226 b, until theenlarged head 12 a goes into abutment against the abutment surface 231b.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, the annular body 221′ of the flange 220′illustrated herein comprises a plurality of seats 222 a for housing theenlarged heads 12 a of a first plurality of spokes 12. Such seats aretotally identical to those described above with reference to FIGS. 7-10and will not be described again.

The annular body 221′ of the flange 220′ of FIGS. 11-13 also comprises,instead of the seats 222 b described above with reference to FIGS. 7-10,a plurality of seats 222 c for housing the enlarged heads 12 a of asecond plurality of spokes 12.

The seats 222 c differ from the seats 222 b and are described below.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 11-13, each of the seats 222a, 222 c is in part arranged in a radially outer position with respectto the seats 122 of the annular body 121 of the flange 120.

In the illustrated example fourteen seats 222 a, 222 c (in particular,seven seats 222 a and seven seats 222 c) are provided in total. They arearranged circumferentially equally spaced apart from each other alongthe annular body 221′. In order not to complicate the reading of FIGS.11-13, the reference numerals relative to the aforementioned seats 222a, 222 c and to the various portions of such seats 222 a, 222 c havebeen indicated only for some of the seven seats which are illustrated.

The annular body 221′ of the flange 220′ of FIGS. 11-13 also comprises anon-through recess 232 a′ made on the anterior front face 221 c′ in aposition adjacent to the access opening 224 a of the seat 222 a. Thenon-through recess 232 a′ is totally analogous to the non-through recess232 a described above with reference to the flange 220 illustrated inFIGS. 7-10.

Each seat 222 c comprises an access opening 224 c configured to allow asecond spoke 12 to be mounted in the seat 222 c.

The access opening 224 c is made on a rear front face 221 d of theannular body 221′. Preferably, such a rear front face 221 d issubstantially flat and substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis X.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the accessopening 224 c extends along a substantially axial direction and has asubstantially cylindrical shape.

The access opening 224 c can be a through opening (like in thenon-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 and as specified below)or a blind opening. The access opening 224 c can be made through a drillbit, a front cylindrical cutter or a ball nose milling cutter.

The access opening 224 c has dimensions such as to allow the insertionof the enlarged head 12 a of the second spoke 12.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the accessopening 224 c and the access opening 224 a are defined by a singleaccess through opening extending from the rear front face 221 d to theanterior front face 221 c′.

Each seat 222 c further comprises an outlet opening 226 c configured toallow a stem 12 b of the second spoke 12 to exit from the seat 222 c.

The outlet opening 226 c is made on the radially outer surface 221 a′ ofthe annular body 221′.

The outlet opening 226 c is preferably defined by a hole havingdimensions such as to allow the passage of the stem 12 b of the secondspoke 12. In particular, such a hole is cylindrical and is arranged in aposition adjacent to the rear front face 221 d.

Alternatively, the outlet opening 226 c can be defined by a slot, so asto facilitate the passage of the stem 12 b.

The outlet opening 226 c can be made through a drill bit or,particularly in the case in which it is defined by a slot, by a frontcylindrical cutter.

As clearly illustrated in FIG. 12, the access opening 224 c and theoutlet opening 226 c are connected to one another through a connectionchannel 228 c.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the connectionchannel 228 c extends from the access opening 224 c along a non-radialrectilinear direction. The connection channel 228 c extends, relative tothe access opening 224 c, from a substantially opposite side withrespect to that where the connection channel 228 a extends. Thedirections of extension of the connection channel 228 a and of theconnection channel 228 c are angularly offset by an angle comprisedwithin the range between 100° and 180°, the extreme values beingincluded.

The connection channel 228 a defines on the rear front face 221 d a slit229 c that extends from the access opening 224 c towards the outletopening 226 c without reaching the radially outer surface 221 a′. Inthis way, between the access opening 224 c and the outlet opening 226 cthe flange 220′ has a bridge 230 c defined in part on the radially outersurface 221 a′ and in part on the rear front face 221 d. The bridge 230c has a substantially circumferential extension and prevents the axialexit of the second spoke 12 from the connection channel 228 c, in thecase of the detensioning thereof.

In the example of FIGS. 11-13, the bridges 230 a define in the anteriorfront face 221 c′ of the flange 220′ a single annular bridge arranged onthe flange 220′ at the connection edge between the anterior front face221 c′ and the radially outer surface 221 a′ of the flange 220′ and thebridges 230 b define in the rear front face 221 d of the flange 220′ asingle annular bridge arranged on the flange 220′ at the connection edgebetween the rear front face 221 d and the radially outer surface 221 a′of the flange 220′.

The slit 229 c can be made through a cylindrical cutter.

Each access opening 224 c comprises, at the connection channel 228 c, anabutment surface 231 c for the enlarged head 12 a of the second spoke 12when the second spoke 12 is tensioned.

The abutment surface 231 c is substantially spherical.

The enlarged head 12 a of the second spoke 12 preferably comprisesconical or spherical surfaces matching the abutment surface 231 c. Suchan abutment surface 231 c can be made through a ball nose millingcutter.

The annular body 221′ comprises a non-through recess 232 c made on therear front face 221 d in a position adjacent to the access opening 224c. The non-through recess 232 c is made on substantially the oppositeside to the connection channel 228 c, so as to have a sufficientmaneuvering space on the rear front face 221 d of the flange 220′ toallow the insertion of the second spoke 12 in the seat 222 c.

The first spokes 12 mounted in the first seats 222 a are substantiallyidentical to the second spokes 12 mounted in the third seats 222 c.

The annular body 221′ further comprises a plurality of weight-reducingthrough openings 240, each of which is arranged between twocircumferentially consecutive access openings 224 c.

Similarly to the flange of FIGS. 7-10, also on the radially outersurface 221 a′ of the annular body 221′ of the flange of FIGS. 11-13 aplurality of weight-reducing non-through recesses 242 are provided, eachof which is arranged between an outlet opening 226 a and an outletopening 226 c and is arranged at a respective access opening 224 a (or224 c).

The mounting of the spokes 12 on the flange 220′ of the hub 100′ ofFIGS. 11-13 takes place as described below.

Thanks to the provision of the non-through recess 232 a′ on the anteriorfront face 221 c′ of the flange 220′, the first spokes 12 are insertedin the seats 222 a in a totally analogous manner to what has been statedabove with reference to the mounting of the spokes 12 in the seats 222 aof the flange 220 of FIGS. 7-10.

Thanks to the provision of the non-through recess 232 c on the rearfront face 221 d of the flange 220′, the second spokes 12 are insertedin the seats 222 c making an end portion of the stem 12 b of the spoke12, opposite to the end portion where the enlarged head 12 a isprovided, enter into the access opening 224 c and making it exit fromthe outlet opening 226 c, until the enlarged head 12 a goes intoabutment against the abutment surface 231 c.

In the case in which the hub 100, 100′ is intended to be used in a frontwheel of the bicycle, the flange 220, 220′ is mounted on the hub 100,100′ on the same side in which the brake disc is mounted.

In an embodiment that is not illustrated of the hub 100 of the presentinvention, the flange 120 is identical to one of the flanges 220, 220′described above with reference to FIG. 7-10 or 11-13.

Of course, those skilled in the art, in order to satisfy specific andcontingent requirements, can bring numerous modifications and variantsto the present invention as described above, all of them being in anycase within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spoke attachment flange for a hub for a bicycle wheel, said flange having an annular body extending coaxially to a rotation axis (X) and having a plurality of seats for housing enlarged heads of spokes, wherein at least one first seat of said plurality of seats comprises: a first access opening made on a first front face of said annular body and configured to allow the insertion of an enlarged head of a first spoke in said first seat; a first outlet opening made on a radially outer surface of said annular body and configured to allow a stem of said first spoke to exit from said first seat; said first outlet opening and said first access opening are connected to one another through a first connection channel that defines on said first front face a first slit that extends starting from said first access opening towards said first outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface; said first access opening further comprising an abutment surface that abuts the enlarged head of said first spoke when the first spoke is tensioned, said abutment surface being arranged at least partially in said first connection channel, said annular body further comprising a first non-through recess that is on said first front face adjacent to the first access opening and is substantially opposite to the first connection channel, wherein said first non-through recess defines a maneuvering space configured for allowing said first spoke to be inclined with respect to said first front face such that said stem of said first spoke is configured to slide in said first outlet opening and said enlarged head of said first spoke is configured to be inserted in said first access opening.
 2. The flange according to claim 1, wherein said abutment surface is substantially spherical.
 3. The flange according to claim 1, wherein said first connection channel extends from said first access opening along a non-radial direction.
 4. The flange according to claim 1, wherein at least one second seat of said plurality of seats comprises: a second access opening made on said first front face and configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged head of a second spoke in said second seat; a second outlet opening made on said radially outer surface and configured to allow a stem of said second spoke to exit from said second seat; wherein said second access opening and said second outlet opening are connected to one another through a second connection channel that defines on said first front face a slit that extends starting from said second access opening towards said second outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface; and said second outlet opening is defined by a second slot extending along a substantially axial direction.
 5. The flange according to claim 4, wherein said second access opening comprises, at least at said second connection channel, an abutment surface for the enlarged head of said second spoke when the second spoke is tensioned, wherein the abutment surface for the enlarged head of said second spoke is substantially spherical.
 6. The flange according to claim 4, wherein said second connection channel is at least in part made in said first recess.
 7. The flange according to claim 4, wherein said second connection channel extends from said second access opening along a non-radial direction.
 8. The flange according to claim 4, wherein said first outlet opening is defined by a first hole arranged in a position adjacent to said first front face.
 9. The flange according to claim 1, wherein at least one second seat of said plurality of seats comprises: a second access opening made on a second front face of said annular body axially opposite to said first front face and configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged head of a second spoke in said second seat; a second outlet opening made on said radially outer surface and configured to allow a stem of said second spoke to exit from said second seat; wherein said second outlet opening is defined by a second hole or by a second slot and wherein said second access opening and said second outlet opening are connected to one another through a second connection channel that defines on said second front face a slit that extends from said second access opening towards said second outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface.
 10. The flange according to claim 9, wherein said second access opening comprises, at least at said second connection channel, an abutment surface for the enlarged head of said second spoke when the second spoke is tensioned, wherein said abutment surface is substantially spherical.
 11. The flange according to claim 9, wherein said annular body comprises a second non-through recess made on said second front face in a position adjacent to the second access opening on a substantially opposite side to the second connection channel.
 12. The flange according to claim 9, wherein said second connection channel extends from said second access opening along a non-radial direction.
 13. The flange according to claim 9, wherein said first outlet opening is defined by a first hole arranged in a position adjacent to said first front face and said second outlet opening is defined by a second hole arranged in a position adjacent to said second front face.
 14. A method for mounting a spoke with an enlarged head and a stem on a flange of a hub for a bicycle wheel, the method comprising the steps of: inserting an end portion of said stem in a first access opening made on a first front face of the flange; making said stem slide along a first connection channel that connects said access opening to an outlet opening made on a radially outer surface of an annular body and defined by a hole or a slot, said first connection channel defining on said first front face a first slit that extends starting from said first access opening towards said outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface; making said stem exit from said outlet opening; and, tensioning said spoke; wherein said first access opening further comprising an abutment surface that abuts the enlarged head of said first spoke when the first spoke is tensioned, said abutment surface is arranged at least partially in said first connection channel, said annular body further comprising a first non-through recess that is on said first front face adjacent to the first access opening and is substantially opposite to the first connection channel, wherein said first non-through recess defines a maneuvering space configured to allow said first spoke to be inclined with respect to said first front face such that said stem of said first spoke is configured to slide in said first outlet opening and said enlarged head of said first spoke is configured to be inserted in said first access opening.
 15. A spoke attachment flange for a hub for a bicycle wheel, said flange having an annular body extending coaxially to a rotation axis (X) and having a plurality of seats for housing enlarged heads of spokes, wherein at least one first seat among said plurality of seats comprises: a first access opening made on a first front face of said annular body and configured to allow the insertion of an enlarged head of a first spoke in said first seat; a first outlet opening made on a radially outer surface of said annular body and configured to allow a stem of said first spoke to exit from said first seat, said first outlet opening and said first access opening are connected to each other through a first connection channel on said first front face that extends starting from said first access opening towards said first outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface; and, wherein at least one second seat among said plurality of seats comprises: a second access opening made on said first front face and configured to allow the insertion of the enlarged head of a second spoke in said second seat; a second outlet opening on said radially outer surface and configured to allow a stem of said second spoke to exit from said second seat; and, said second access opening and said second outlet opening are connected via a second connection channel on said first front face that extends starting from said second access opening towards said second outlet opening without reaching said radially outer surface; and said second outlet opening is defined by a second slot extending along a substantially axial direction; wherein said annular body comprises a first non-through recess that is on said first front face adjacent to the first access opening on a substantially opposite side to the first connection channel and said second connection channel is at least in part made in said first recess. 